WASHINGTON—A judge's ruling yesterday in a Gamaliel, Ark. animal cruelty case allows for over 300 dogs to be adopted into permanent homes. The dogs are being released from the Every Dog Needs A Home (EDNAH) facility into the custody of The Humane Society of the United States.

Last month authorities were alerted when over 470 dogs were found at EDNAH facility run by Tammy and William Hanson. Authorities found the ground covered with several inches of feces, dog food, maggots, tarps and trash. At least five dogs had died, and most lacked proper shelter. The Baxter County Sheriff's Office charged the Hanson's with animal cruelty and took temporary custody of the 474 animals.  The Humane Society of the United States was put in charge of caring for the dogs while the case moved through the judicial process.

Some animals were survivors of the Gulf hurricanes and have already been removed from the property. The latest ruling by Baxter County District Judge Van Gearhart also charges the Hanson's with 27 counts of animal cruelty each, and denies their request for custody of the animals. Their trial date is set for January 16, 2006.

"No animal should have to live in these conditions," said Lou Guyton, director of the Southeast Regional Office of The Humane Society of the United States." We are grateful to Judge Gearhart for taking swift action on behalf of the dogs' welfare. Taking custody of these animals gives them a chance at a better life."

Through its volunteer-based Emergency Animal Rescue Service, United Animal Nations has been working with the Humane Society of the United States to care for the animals and clean up the Every Dog Needs a Home facility while authorities investigated the case.

The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization representing more than 9.4 million members and constituents. The non-profit organization is a mainstream voice for animals, with active programs in companion animals and equine protection, disaster preparedness and response, wildlife and habitat protection, animals in research and farm animal welfare. The HSUS protects all animals through education, investigation, litigation, legislation, advocacy, and field work. The group is based in Washington and has numerous field representatives across the country. On the web at www.hsus.org.